Writer's Block

When I committed to the @31WriteNow challenge, I had no idea how hard it would be to put my thoughts into words for 31 straight days. I mean, I'm the one who always has something to say and I really don't mind giving you my opinion (whether you want it or not isn't the issue, lol). Tonight however I find myself in unfamiliar territory, the land that is writer's block. There is so much going on in the world yet I can't find anything to say, constructive or otherwise. I think at this point, my friends are falling out of their seats in disbelief, LOL but it's true, tonight I have nothing.

 I have nothing to say about the little boy that jumped the line in front of my daughter today at the skate rink, with his rude self.

I have nothing to say about the e-coupon I downloaded today for a FREE box of Ultimate Hamburger Helper I was so excited about, but was nowhere to be found at the grocery store.

 I have nothing to say about the red hair dye I purchased last week that didn't turn my hair red AT ALL.

 I have nothing to say about the loooooong list of school supplies I have to purchase even though my property tax bill has a clear itemization for money deemed as "school tax".

 I have nothing to say about the promotion I know I deserve but have yet to receive.

Most importantly, I have nothing to say about my many sleepless nights trying to clear levels in Candy Crush, it's not like I have a job to go to, or a family to take care of or anything like that.

 So for those of you that took the time to visit my blog and read my posts, I can't thank you enough, but you caught me on a night when I really just have nothing to say. ;-)

Mississippi's New law: Collect Blood of Babies born to teen moms for DNA testing

I read an article on Mississippi's new teen mom law regarding a new law in Mississippi that requires hospitals to collect cord blood of babies born to teenage mothers for the purposes of establishing paternity. When I first read this, I had to stop and clear my eyes a bit, after all I do wear glasses so I have to be seeing things, right? Wrong! It's very true and very disturbing. According to the article, the law was designed to combat teenage pregnancy (they claim to have one of the highest teen pregnancy rates in the country) and more importantly statutory rape. The supporters of the law cite teen mom's unwillingness to name the father's in certain cases, especially if they are older, for fear the dad will be prosecuted. Opponents however say it's a violation of privacy and fear that teenage males may be unjustly prosecuted if they are proven to have fathered a child with an underage girl.

I have to admit, on it's face it's dead wrong, but if we look deeper, what's the real issue? Should we applaud the state of Mississippi for trying to get a handle on a teen pregnancy rate that's reportedly out of control, or should we be concerned more about the Civil Rights of the parties involved? I'm all for privacy, but if my daughter was impregnated by someone she refused to name, I might be inclined to question the circumstances myself.

Honestly, I'm straddling the fence on this one. Teen pregnancy is nothing new and young girls have long been victims of dirty old men seeking the virginity of adolescent females to satisfy their needs. While I agree that something has to be done; there are clearly too many gray areas. Safeguards have to be in place so that teenagers having "consensual" sex aren't criminalized in the same manner as a 30 year old man that likes having sex and impregnating young girls.  The law should focus more on stiffening the penalty for statutory rape versus victimizing the teen mom all over again to possibly prosecute a crime that may or may not have even occurred.

20/20 (A Poem)

I often try to do what’s right, no matter what the cost

It may mean losing a friend or two but really it’s not that big of a loss
Many times the road I choose may seem far off to some
But life for me has been a trial with more tests sure to come

I never sit and wait for things to fall in place for me
Perhaps that’s one of my downfalls, for what will be will be
Try not to look at me and sigh, and say “what’s up with her?
I’ve had somewhat of a really tough year, but to discuss, I wouldn’t prefer
Life’s ups and downs and in-betweens have forced my hand a bit
I now take time to think things through instead of having a fit

Moving on and pressing forward are necessary you see,
For no matter what you try to control, only God determines what will be
No time for drama, I’m a brand new me, accepting any challenges that come
Making room for lots of new things and marching to the beat of a new drum
My journey, I can tell, is far from done,  I’m learning more each day
I see things just a bit more clearly, so there’s not much more I can say
I’m living life and loving more, as time waits for no man
Please be patient, I’m still growing, but I’m doing the best that I can
Try not to worry, please don’t fret, I’m still the girl you knew
I am still just a little bit jaded, and to myself I must be true